In India, sesame seeds are considered a symbol of immortality, perhaps one of the reasons for the exceptional longevity of the Japanese, whose gomasio is one of their flagship condiments?
What is gomasio?
On paper, nothing could be simpler: sesame seeds and salt. But not just any sesame, nor just any salt. For the sesame, choose organic wholemeal (blond or black); for the salt, a sea salt such as fleur de sel. Mix it all together and you've got gomasio! No, that would be too simple.
First of all, rinse the whole sesame seeds and use a pan to toast the sesame seeds and a pestle (if you don't have a Japanese suribachi pestle).
The sesame seeds should not burn, but take on a light color (when the seeds start to dance like popcorn, you're not far off the mark).
Pour the sesame seeds into your pestle and crush in an elliptical motion. When the sesame is half crushed, add the salt and mix well.
For thousands of years, the Japanese have used this blend to season their dishes.
The benefits of organic gomasio :
The great advantage of gomasio (or gomashio) lies in its ability to substitute salt, and not just a little. With the same amount of gomasio or pure salt, there's no difference in taste - incredible, isn't it? It's all down to the fact that roasted sesame has incredible organoleptic qualities, enhanced by 10% salt, and there you have it. At a time when salt consumption is excessive, gomashio is an excellent alternative (especially for people who need to reduce their daily salt intake).
What are the nutritional qualities of gomashio?
Gomasio is 90% sesame(sesamum indicum), a plant of the Pedaliaceae family that produces small seeds rich in calcium (up to 1g per 100g for whole sesame). Antispasmodic and anti-infectious, its properties are extensive. It is rich in vitamin B, polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipids, so it's best not to overdo it.
Gomashio, via sesame, helps strengthen our nervous system (omega-6) and also improves our memory thanks to omega-3. It helps regulate blood pressure thanks to its high potassium content, and potassium boosts our immune system. As you can see, sesame has many advantages, but it is also responsible for serious allergies, and its presence must be systematically indicated on packaging, even if there are only traces of it.
Average nutritional value per 100 g
Energy intake: 566 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10.2 g
Dietary fibre: 11.2 g
Protein: 20.9 g
Fat: 50.4 g of which
Saturated: 7.55 g
Omega-3: 0.67 g
Omega-6: 18.70 g
Omega-9: 19.90 g
Water: 5.20 g
Calcium: 783 mg
Iron: 10 mg
Magnesium: 347 mg
Phosphorus: 607 mg
Potassium: 458 mg
Sodium: 45 mg
Vitamin B1: 0.79 mg
Vitamin B2: 0.250 mg
Vitamin B3: 4.5 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.79 mg
Vitamin K: 0.002 mg
Sesame and cooking:
Sesame is used in many recipes and spice blends. Of particular note are
Zahtar (Dukka), a mixture of sumac, thyme and toasted sesame, is sprinkled on meatballs or bread before cooking.
Gomasio and all its variants, discussed below.
Goma-wakame, also known as Algomasio or Algoma, is composed of Gomasio (3/4) and wakame algae (1/4).
Tahini (sesame purée) is obtained by toasting the seeds and then blending them to obtain a paste. This paste should be smoothed through a sieve to remove the larger pieces.
Tahini sauce, made with tahini of course, and garlic blended with water and lemon juice. Always a delight as a cold sauce for meats or salads.
The many recipes for tuna marinated in soy and sesame seeds.
Squash soups go very well with sesame seeds.
The must-try Baba Ganoush with eggplant and tahini...
There's no shortage of recipes...
